Related Media

The Nevada Division of Forestry is asking the public to report sightings of white satin moths in Northern Nevada.

The effort will help the department determine how widespread and severe the moth, Leucoma salicis, infestation is in the area, according to a news release from the Nevada Division of Forestry.

The non-native insect is capable of defoliating aspen, cottonwoods and willows. In flight now, the moth can be found flying in the upper canopy of any poplar species and laying eggs or mating on trunks, leaves or branches. Eggs laid in July and August will hatch in a few weeks, and larvae will skeletonize leaves on aspen, cottonwoods and willows before moving to bark fissures and spinning protective coverings to winter in, the release stated. White satin moths appear all white except for the body, which looks like it has black bands.

The months are about 1 1/2 inches wide at full wingspan. New larvae will be small, furry, brown-and-black caterpillars. Late-stage caterpillars mature at about 1 3/4 inches long.